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Did you know that according to the results of the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey, conducted on behalf of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the critical reason,  defined by the NHTSA as the last event in the crash causal chain, was assigned to the driver in over 90% (94%) of the crashes [1]? In roughly 2% of crashes, the critical reason was assigned to the failure or degradation of vehicular components. The environment was also the critical reason in 2% of crashes, for example, slick roads, the weather, etc. [1].

The driver-related critical reasons were classified broadly as recognition errors, decision errors, performance errors, and non-performance errors. Of the driver-related critical reasons, recognition error accounted for 41%, decision error 33%, performance error 11%, non-performance error 7%, and other 8%. Recognition error includes driver’s inattention, internal and external distractions and, inadequate surveillance. Decision errors included driving too fast for conditions, too fast for the curve, false assumption of others’ actions, illegal maneuver, and misjudgment of gap or others’ speed. Performance error included overcompensation, and poor directional control, while sleep was the most common critical reason among non-performance errors [1].

Despite the above findings, it is very important to remember the following statement about the report and the findings as defined by the NHTSA:

“The critical reason is the immediate reason for the critical pre-crash event and is often the last failure in the causal chain of events leading up to the crash. Although the critical reason is an important part of the description of events leading up to the crash, it is not intended to be interpreted as the cause of the crash nor as the assignment of the fault to the driver, vehicle, or environment.”

Why LISKE?

LISKE is an established leader in the field of accident and injury reconstruction with thirty years of experience investigating and reconstructing transportation accidents. We are dedicated to providing a principled and unparalleled customer experience and continue to strive for excellence, acting with integrity, thoroughness, and accountability. The high-level approach we take to each assignment help to ensure that no element of causation is overlooked and no stone is left unturned. Our multi-disciplined team of scientists, engineers, and ACTAR accredited reconstruction experts prepare a comprehensive, objective, science-based analysis of each accident, powered by next-generation technology. A LISKE accident and injury reconstruction provides a foundational pillar you can count on; whether as a building block to causation, or in the rebuttal to an unacceptable misinformed and overreached opposition conclusion. Plan your litigation strategy and achieve the best resolution for your client with LISKE Accident and Injury Experts

In summary – over 90% of accidents and incidents may involve a Human Factors cause; however; other underlying causes still may exist.  Our multi-disciplined team of scientists, engineers and ACTAR accredited reconstruction experts help to ensure that no element of causation is overlooked and no stone is left unturned.

[1] https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812115